The Community Fridge Concept: A Strategy to Combat Food Insecurity

The Maryland Food Bank (MFB) reported that based on MFB’s Maryland Hunger Map analysis, approximately two million Marylanders may face hunger in 2025 (https://mdfoodbank.org/hunger-in-maryland/whats-at-stake/). What happens when food banks are closed or hungry people lack transportation to access them?

Grassroot Solutions: Community Fridges

An increasing number of public refrigerators known as “community fridges,” can be found on sidewalks from the West Coast to the East Coast to improve access to food for hungry people in need. Freedge.org https://freedge.org/freedge-yourself) provides advice about starting a community fridge in your neighborhood, and information about where to locate a “community freedge” listed in their database. The concept is growing as food insecurity expands and deepens.

Catherine’s Community Fridge

Locally, the mission of CFYS is to help improve the quality of life for all the residents living in Northwest Baltimore City and surrounding areas. Valarie Matthews, executive director and co-founder of Catherine’s Family and Youth Services Inc. (CFYS), shared that Catherine’s Community Fridge was launched in the Park Heights community at a grand opening and CFYS’s 11th Annual Thanksgiving Distribution on November 24, 2025. Catherine’s Community Fridge can be found at 2835 Virginia Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland 21215, at the parking lot side of Park Heights Academy. It is hosted where CFYS operates their free youth development programs and monthly food/diaper distribution.

“Catherine’s Community Fridge is an initiative that was launched as a collaborative effort with LifeBridge Health to improve health, wellness and food access. The Community Fridge model was a partnership with Bmore Community Fridge Network. LifeBridge Health plans to be on site regularly during monthly food distribution to offer access to quality health care supportive services, free health screenings, vaccinations, healthy eating initiatives and more,” said Matthews.

The location in Park Heights provides food access to students, families, and neighbors when CFYS’s pantry is closed.

“Catherine’s door is always open to anyone in need of food. We ask that children, families and neighbors leave Catherine’s Community Fridge clear of trash, take only what they need, and leave something for someone else,” Matthews stated.

She further explained that fresh produce; pre-made ready-to-eat meals such as soups; salads; sandwiches; frozen vegetables/meats; nonperishable foods; baby food; drinks; and baked goods are typically stocked in the fridge/pantry area. Catherine’s Community Fridge is filled three times daily, typically in the morning, around lunchtime, and last drop off is often complete after 5 p.m. 

“A small grocery bag is typically what families are able to fill up so that someone else has access to food as well,” Matthews explained. “It’s designed to be here when you need a little help of a meal.”

 The Emilie Wall Foundation’s Community Fridge

Michael Foy, executive director of the Emilie Wall Foundation, leads a community-based nonprofit organization serving Baltimore residents through emergency food distribution, youth development programs, and annual community events. The nonprofit’s mission is to empower families, reduce food insecurity, and provide supportive spaces for youth. 

The Emilie Wall Foundation’s Community Fridge is another free, local, publicly accessible refrigerator and pantry designed to provide fresh food, healthy produce, and essential items for Baltimore residents in need. 

“Operated in partnership with local organizations and community volunteers, the Community Fridge serves as a judgment-free resource where individuals and families can take what they need—no paperwork, no eligibility requirements, and no questions asked,” Foy stated.

Located in Northwest Baltimore at 5221 Florence Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21215, the fridge is stocked regularly with fruits, vegetables, dairy, beverages, prepared meals, and shelf-stable goods.

 “Its purpose is to help reduce food insecurity, minimize waste, and ensure families have reliable access to nutritious food between larger distribution events,” said Foy.

He noted that The Emilie Wall Foundation’s Community Fridge launch date was November 30, 2025.  

“In 2025, the Foundation installed a community fridge in partnership with the Bmore Community Fridge Network to increase food access to essential resources for underserved households 24/7,” said Foy.

Stocked food comes from residents and local food banks. Target users are residents who are facing food insecurity and people who are less fortunate. Donations to help keep this effort of neighbors helping neighbors going can be made through Venmo, PayPal, or by mailing donations to 5221 Florence Ave, Baltimore, Maryland 21215.

“The Community Fridge reflects the Emilie Wall Foundation’s commitment to grassroots support, dignity, and community empowerment. By creating a space where neighbors can help neighbors, the foundation continues the legacy of service inspired by Monique Wall—promoting generosity, reducing hunger, and strengthening Baltimore one meal at a time.

Learn more about CFYS via www.catherinesfamilyandyouthservices.org  and donate by visiting https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=QJW5MJS57A2B2.  The Emilie Wall Foundation’s website is www.emiliewallfoundation.org. Find Bmore Community Fridge Network on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/642135508518868.